Foldable climbing exercise device

ABSTRACT

A foldable vertical stepping exercise machine allows a user to perform exercise through vertical stepping motions. The exercise device includes a base assembly having an upper portion and a lower portion such that the lower portion rests on a support surface. The exercise device includes a stepping assembly having a pair of foot rests and a pulley mechanism attached to the upper portion of the base assembly. The pulley mechanism connects to the pair of foot rests such that the pair of foot rests slides up and down a vertical length of the exercise device. The exercise device includes a connector assembly slidably attaching the pair of foot rests to the upper portion of the base assembly so that the pair of foot rests move alternately up and down the vertical length of the exercise device while the user performs the stepping exercise.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to exercise devices. More particularly, embodiments of the invention relate to foldable climbing exercise devices.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Individuals who work long hours in an office environment wish to use exercise machines more frequently, preferably without having to visit a fitness center or gymnasium. As a result, many families would prefer to purchase one to use at home. However, such exercise machines available in the market occupy too much home space.

Exercise machines are usually configured to generate an adjustable resistance and offer different levels of resistance for a user to choose from. Some exercise machines, known as stepper machines are equipped with a resistance generating hydraulic cylinder. Such stepper machines can become overheated after using a short period of time. Other exercise machines include various resistive load components for the user to choose from and set a desired level of exercise. However, those exercise machines can be difficult to move, besides occupying a large space.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which like references indicate similar elements.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exercise machine according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of an exercise machine according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of an exercise machine according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a back view of an exercise machine according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of an exercise machine according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a bottom view of an exercise machine according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of an exercise machine according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of an exercise machine according to another embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments and aspects will be described with reference to details discussed below, and the accompanying drawings will illustrate the various embodiments. The following description and drawings are illustrative and are not to be construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments. However, in certain instances, well-known or conventional details are not described in order to provide a concise discussion of embodiments.

Reference in the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in conjunction with the embodiment can be included in at least one embodiment. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment.

Embodiments of the invention is a foldable vertical stepping exercise machine, also referred to as a climbing exercise machine, that a user can use to exercise by performing stepping motions. The exercise machine is foldable for storage purposes. In one embodiment, an exercise machine includes a base assembly having an upper portion and a lower portion such that the lower portion of the base assembly maintains the exercise device in an upright position on a support surface. The exercise machine includes a stepping assembly for a user to perform a stepping exercise. The stepping assembly includes a left foot rest, a pulley mechanism attached to the upper portion of the base assembly, and a right foot rest connected to the left foot rest via the pulley mechanism. The exercise machine includes a connector assembly slidably attaching the left and right foot rests of the stepping assembly to the upper portion of the base assembly so that the left and right foot rests of the stepping assembly move alternately up and down a vertical length of the exercise device while the user performs the stepping exercise.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exercise machine according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of an exercise machine according to one embodiment of the invention. Referring to FIG. 1, the foldable vertical stepping exercise machine 100 includes a base assembly having an upper portion and a lower portion such that the lower portion of the base assembly maintains the exercise device in an upright position on a support surface. The lower portion includes support first surface section 9, second support surface section 8, and cable 6. Cable 6 connects first support surface section 9 to second support surface section 8 at approximately their mid-sections such that cable 6 is extended or collapsed to allow the lower portion of the base assembly to be opened or folded, respectively. Cable 6 prevents the second support surface section 8 from being extended away from the first support surface section 9 beyond the length of cable 6. The lower portion of the base assembly opens to approximate an H-shape on a support surface to maintain the exercise device in an upright position. In one embodiment, the first support surface section 9 includes wheels 24A-24B in contact with a support surface such that the exercise device can be wheeled on the support surface. In another embodiment, first support surface section 9 is curved to prevent exercise machine 100 from tipping over when it is folded.

The upper portion of the base assembly includes vertical section 12A, vertical section 12B, and vertical section 10. Vertical sections 12A and 12B can be approximately parallel to each other. A first end of vertical sections 12A and 12B is connected to a lower portion of base assembly, such as support surface section 9. A first end of vertical section 10 is connected to a lower portion of base assembly, such as support surface section 8. A second end of vertical section 10 is rotatably connected to a second end of vertical sections 12A and 12B via a hinge so that vertical section 10 and vertical sections 12A and 12B form an arc of the upper portion of the base assembly. The connections may be secured by any means appropriate such as metal and/or nylon brackets, nuts, and screws, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, section 10 is rotatably connected in between vertical sections 12A and 12B. In another embodiment, section 10 includes a locking mechanism to secure section 10 between the vertical sections 12A and 12B when the base assembly is folded. For example, Velcro 7 is secured on section 10 to wrap onto vertical sections 12A and/or 12B to secure the base assembly when the exercise device is folded.

In one embodiment, exercise device 100 includes a connector assembly slidably attaching left foot rest 15A to right foot rest 15B so that the left and right foot rests slides along a vertical length of the exercise device when a user performs the stepping exercise. For example, the connector assembly includes left connector bracket 14A and right connector bracket 14B. The left connector bracket 14A includes two pairs of rolling mechanisms 23A wrapped around vertical section 12A to allow the left connector bracket 14A to move upwardly and downwardly along a length of vertical section 12A. The right connector bracket 14B includes two pairs of rolling mechanisms 23B wrapped around vertical section 12B to allow the right connector bracket 14B to move upwardly and downwardly along a length of vertical section 12B. Rolling mechanisms 23A-23B may include a number of ball bearings. The purpose of rolling mechanisms 23A and 23B is to guide the connector brackets 14A and 14B to slide upwardly and downwardly along vertical sections 12A and 12B without significant friction between the connector brackets 14A-14B and vertical sections 12A-12B.

In one embodiment, exercise device 100 includes a stepping assembly for a user to perform a stepping exercise. The stepping assembly includes left foot rest 15A, a pulley mechanism attached to the upper portion of the base assembly (as shown in FIG. 2), and right foot rest 15B. Left foot rest 15A is connected to right foot rest 15B via a pulley mechanism.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a pulley mechanism may include axle 26 secured on the upper portion of base assembly. For example, bracket 27 is secured on vertical sections 12A and 12B. Axle 26 is attached to bracket 27. Axle 26 supports a pulley wheel 16. String 13 is placed on pulley wheel 16 such that a first distal end of spring 13 is connected to a left connector bracket (such as connector bracket 14A) and a second distal end of spring 13 is connected to a right connector bracket (such as connector bracket 14B). Left foot rest 15A is secured on the left connector bracket and right foot rest 15B is secured on the right connector bracket such that when a user steps down on left foot rest 15A, the left connector bracket pulls cable 13 along pulley wheel 16 to elevate the right connector bracket 14B or right foot rest 15B, and vice versa. In one embodiment, the pulley mechanism includes a cable length adjustment mechanism to adjust a length of the cable connecting the left and right foot rests. For example, left and right connector brackets 14A-14B include a plurality of holes 17A-17B where cable 13 may be attached to any of holes 17A-17B. By attaching a first end of cable 13 at different holes of the left connector brackets and a second end of cable 13 at different holes of the right connector brackets, cable 13 length may be effectively adjusted. In another embodiment, left foot rest 15A is connected to the lower portion of base assembly via cable 21A, and right foot rest 15B is connected to the lower portion of base assembly via cable 21B. In another embodiment, cables 21A-21B are elastic cables. Cables 21A and 21B provide resistances to foot rests 15A-15B to prevent any sudden moves of foot rests 15A-15B, when the corresponding foot rests 15A-15B move upwardly and downwardly.

In one embodiment, exercise device 100 includes a handlebar assembly attached to the upper portion of base assembly. Referring to FIG. 2, for example, left and right handlebars 2A-2B are attached to vertical sections 12A-12B respectively. In another embodiment, left and right handlebars 2A-2B are perpendicular to a vertical length of the exercise machine, such as vertical sections 12A-12B, where a user can place their hands on the left and right handlebars 2A-2B for support while performing a stepping exercise.

In one embodiment, exercise device 100 includes a second handlebar assembly coupled to the stepping assembly such that the second handlebar assembly slides up and down a vertical length of the exercise device, such as vertical sections 12A-12B. For example, a second handlebar assembly includes handlebars 1A-1B and handlebars 4A-4B. Handlebars 4A-4B is perpendicular to a vertical length of exercise device 100, such as vertical sections 12A-12B, and handlebars 1A-1B is parallel to the vertical length of exercise device 100. In another embodiment, handlebars 1A-1B points outwardly from each other at an angle of approximately 15 degrees from the vertical length of the exercise device.

In another embodiment, the second handlebar assembly includes a left and right length adjustment mechanism. The left length adjustment mechanism can adjust a height or a length between left foot rest 15A and the left handlebars 1A and/or 4A. Referring to FIG. 2, for example, the left length adjustment mechanism includes left slidable section 18A fastened to left connector bracket 14A, which is fastened to left foot rest 15A. Left handlebar 1A/4A is fastened to length adjustment section 25A. The fastening means may be any fastener means suitable for exercise machines, for example, sections 18A may be welded to and/or fastened to connector bracket 14A by bolts and washers. The left slidable section 18A may be secured to length adjustment section 25A by a locking peg or pin and an insertion hole. Length adjustment section 25A includes a number of insertion holes 5A along a length of section 25A. Left slidable section 18A includes locking pin or peg 3A. A user can manually adjust a distance between left handlebar 1A to foot rest 15A by adjusting which insertion holes 5A peg 3A is inserted into.

In another embodiment, the right length adjustment mechanism can adjust a height or a length between right foot rest 15B and the right handlebars 1B and/or 4B. Referring to FIG. 2, for example, the right length adjustment mechanism includes right slidable section 18B fastened to right bracket 14B, which is fastened to right foot rest 15B. Right handlebar 1B/4B is fastened to length adjustment section 25B. The right slidable section 18B may be secured to length adjustment section 25B by a locking peg and an insertion hole, such as peg 3B and an insertion hole of insertion holes 5B situated on length adjustment section 25B. In another embodiment, the left and right length adjustment mechanisms may be adjusted independent of each other.

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate a front and a back view of an exercise machine according to one embodiment of the invention. A user may stand on steps 15A-15B facing the front of exercise machine to perform a stepping exercise. Alternatively, a user may stand on steps 15A-15B facing the back of exercise machine to perform a stepping exercise. In one embodiment, exercise machine 100 may be at a slanted angle to a vertical axis perpendicular to a support surface. Because the exercise machine is at a slanted angle, a user will exert a different force when facing a front of the exercise machine than when facing a back of the exercise machine. As described above, elastic cables 21A-21B are to provide resistances to movements of foot rests 15A-15B, which prevents sudden movements of foot rests 15A-15B. For example, when foot rest 15A moves upwardly while foot rest 15B moves downwardly via string or cable 13 and wheel 16, elastic cable 21A will be stressed outwardly. The stressed elastic cable 21A provides a counter pulling force that pulls foot rest 15A downwardly such that the counter pulling force prevents sudden movements of foot rest 15A. When a user steps off foot rest 15A, elastic cable or string 21A will automatically pulls foot rest 15A back to original position which also pulls foot rest 15B back to its original position via string or cable 13 and wheel 16. Elastic string 21B works in a similar way with respect to foot rest 15B.

FIGS. 5 and FIG. 6 illustrate a top and a bottom view of an exercise machine according to one embodiment of the invention. Referring to FIGS. 5-6, foot rests 15A-15B are foldably attached to connector brackets 14A-14B respectively such that foot rests 15A-15B may fold up for ease of storage. For example, foot rests 15A-15B are connected to connector brackets 14A-14B through hinges 28A-28B respectively. Hinges 28A-28B may bend upwards (i.e., foot rests folds up) but not downwards.

FIGS. 7-8 illustrate a right side view and a left side view of an exercise machine respectively according to one embodiment of the invention. The side view shows a length of the exercise machine is at a slanted angle such that a user performs a stepping exercise leaning against the exercise machine when a user faces a frontend of the exercise machine. Alternatively, a user performs a stepping exercise leaning away from the exercise machine when a user faces a backend of the exercise machine. As described above, vertical sections 12A and 12B are connected to vertical section 10 via a hinge, such as hinge 11, to form an arc of the upper portion of the base assembly. Hinge 11 may include a bracket, bolts, and nuts, such that the bracket is secured to vertical sections 12A and 12B. The bolts and nuts of hinge 11 rotatably attach vertical section 10 to the bracket such that vertical section 10 is free to rotate in a plane parallel to vertical sections 12A-12B.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which the invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing description and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. 

1. A foldable vertical stepping exercise device, comprising: a base assembly having an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the lower portion of the base assembly maintains the exercise device in an upright position on a support surface; a stepping assembly for a user to perform a stepping exercise, wherein the stepping assembly comprises: a left foot rest, a pulley mechanism attached to the upper portion of the base assembly, and a right foot rest connected to the left foot rest via the pulley mechanism; and a connector assembly slidably attaching the left and right foot rests of the stepping assembly to the upper portion of the base assembly so that the left and right foot rests of the stepping assembly move alternately up and down a vertical length of the exercise device while the user performs the stepping exercise.
 2. The foldable vertical stepping exercise device of claim 1, further comprising: a first handlebar assembly attached to the upper portion of the base assembly.
 3. The foldable vertical stepping exercise device of claim 2, wherein the first handlebar assembly comprises a first pair of handlebars perpendicular to the vertical length of the exercise device, wherein a user can place theirs hands on the first pair of handlebars for support.
 4. The foldable vertical stepping exercise device of claim 1, further comprising: a second handlebar assembly coupled to the stepping assembly, wherein the second handlebar assembly slides up and down a vertical length of the exercise device.
 5. The foldable vertical stepping exercise device of claim 4, wherein the second handlebar assembly comprises a second pair of handlebars parallel to the vertical length of the exercise device and a third pair of handlebars perpendicular to the vertical length of the exercise device, wherein a user can place theirs hands on the second or third pairs of handlebars for support.
 6. The foldable vertical stepping exercise device of claim 5, wherein a left and a right handlebar of the second pair of handlebars points outwardly from each other at an angle of about 15 degrees from a vertical length of the exercise device.
 7. The foldable vertical stepping exercise device of claim 4, wherein the second handlebar assembly comprises a left and a right length adjustment mechanisms, wherein the left length adjustment mechanism adjusts a first distance between a left foot rest of the stepping assembly and a left handlebar of the second or third pair of handlebars, wherein the right length adjustment mechanism adjusts a second distance between a right foot rest of the stepping assembly and a right handlebar of the second or third pair of handlebars.
 8. The foldable vertical stepping exercise device of claim 7, wherein the left length adjustment mechanism comprise a left peg attached to a left slidable section secured to the left foot rest and a plurality of holes on a left length-adjustment section such that the left peg is inserted into one of the plurality of holes of the left length-adjustment section securing the left slidable section to the left length-adjustment section, wherein the left length-adjustment section is attached to a left handlebar of the second handlebar assembly.
 9. The foldable vertical stepping exercise device of claim 7, wherein the right length adjustment mechanism comprise a right peg attached to a right slidable section secured to the right foot rest and a plurality of holes on a right length-adjustment section such that the right peg is inserted into one of the plurality of holes of the right length-adjustment section securing the right slidable section to the right length-adjustment section, wherein the right length-adjustment section is attached to a right handlebar of the second handlebar assembly.
 10. The foldable vertical stepping exercise device of claim 7, wherein the first and second distances are adjusted independently.
 11. The foldable vertical stepping exercise device of claim 1, wherein the upper portion of the base assembly comprises: a first vertical section; a second vertical section in parallel with the first vertical section; and a third vertical section rotatably connected to the first and second vertical sections.
 12. The foldable vertical stepping exercise device of claim 11, wherein the connector assembly comprises a left and a right connector brackets each comprises at least two pairs of rolling mechanisms, wherein the at least two pairs of rolling mechanisms of the left connector bracket wrap around the first vertical section of the upper portion of the base assembly to allow the left connector bracket to move along a length of the first vertical section, wherein the at least two pairs of rolling mechanisms of the right connector bracket wrap around the second vertical section of the upper portion of the base assembly to allow the right connector bracket to move along a length of the second vertical section.
 13. The foldable vertical stepping exercise device of claim 11, wherein the third vertical section of the upper portion of the base assembly is shaped to rotatably connect between the first and second vertical sections.
 14. The foldable vertical stepping exercise device of claim 13, wherein the third vertical section comprises a locking mechanism to secure the third vertical section between the first and second vertical section of the base assembly when the base assembly is folded.
 15. The foldable vertical stepping exercise device of claim 14, wherein the locking mechanism is a Velcro strap.
 16. The foldable vertical stepping exercise device of claim 11, wherein the lower portion of the base assembly comprises: a first surface support section coupled to the first and the second vertical section of the upper portion of the base assembly; a second surface support section coupled to a third vertical section of the upper portion of the base assembly; and a first cable having a first end connected to a midpoint of the first surface support section and a second end connected to a midpoint of the second surface support section such that the first cable is extended or collapsed to allow the base assembly to be opened or folded, respectively.
 17. The foldable vertical stepping exercise device of claim 16, wherein the first surface support section of the lower portion of the base assembly comprises one or more wheels in contact with a support surface such that the exercise device can be wheeled on the support surface.
 18. The foldable vertical stepping exercise device of claim 1, wherein the pulley mechanism comprises: an axle connected to the upper portion of the base assembly; a pulley wheel rotatably secured to the axle; and a second cable placed on the pulley wheel having a first and a second end, wherein the first end is fixed to the left connector bracket connecting the left foot rest, wherein the second end is fixed to the right connector bracket connecting the right foot rest, such that when a user steps down on the left foot rest pulls the second cable along the pulley wheel to elevate the right foot rests, such that when a user steps down on the right foot rest pulls the second cable along the pulley wheel to elevate the left foot rests.
 19. The foldable vertical stepping exercise device of claim 18, wherein the pulley mechanism comprises an adjustment mechanism to adjust a length of the second cable connecting the left and the right foot rest.
 20. The foldable vertical stepping exercise device of claim 19, wherein the length of the second cable is adjusted by attaching the first end of the second cable to a first plurality of holes of a left connector bracket of a left connector bracket of a connector assembly and by attached the second end of the second cable to a second plurality of holes of a right connector bracket of the connector assembly.
 21. The foldable vertical stepping exercise device of claim 18, wherein the pulley mechanism comprises a third cable connecting the left connector bracket to the lower portion of the base assembly, and a fourth cable connecting the right connector bracket to the lower portion of the base assembly.
 22. The foldable vertical stepping exercise device of claim 21, wherein the third and fourth cables are elastic cables.
 23. The foldable vertical stepping exercise device of claim 18, wherein the pulley mechanism comprises a mechanical stopping mechanism placed in between the left and the right connector brackets and the lower portion of the base assembly to prevent the left or right connector brackets from hitting the lower portion of the base assembly.
 24. The foldable vertical stepping exercise device of claim 23, wherein the mechanical stopping mechanism is a rubber stopper.
 25. The foldable vertical stepping exercise device of claim 18, wherein the second cable is a steel cable wire.
 26. The foldable vertical stepping exercise device of claim 1, wherein the left and the right foot rests is foldable for storage. 